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Basic Physics Syllabus
Instructor Information: Carla Schmitt
email me
262-626-8427 x4157
Textbook: Physical Science: Concepts In Action (in-class resource)
Class Structure: Most learning will take place in class. Therefore students are expected to participate in all learning activities. Learning activities will include labs, activities, videos, Clickers, discussions, review games, etc.
Course Description: Basic Physics is the first science course students take at KHS. The science concepts and skills learned in this course will serve as the foundation for all science courses taken thereafter. An outline of major content and skills covered in this course follows:
Science Laboratory Procedures
o Demonstrate proper lab safety
o Make careful observations
o Communicate results
Scientific Method
o Ask a question
o Form a hypothesis
o Develop and perform experiments (Variables)
o Analyze data
o Construct a conclusion
o Describe theories
Metric System of Measurement
o Apply base units and prefixes
o Measure
o Convert units within the metric system
Motion
o Compare and contrast distance and displacement
o Investigate relationship between distance and time, and velocity and time
o Solve speed, velocity, and acceleration problems
Forces
o Describe the nature of forces
o Investigate friction, gravity, free fall, and projectile motion
o Apply Newton’s laws of motion
Fluids
o Relate buoyant force to floating and sinking
o Investigate Bernoulli’s, Pascal’s, Archimedes Principles
o Apply Pascal’s Principle to hydraulic systems
Work, Power, Energy
o Define and calculate work, power, and energy
o Predict and explain conversions between energy forms
o Investigate mechanical advantage – simple machines
Heat and Thermodynamics
o Explain the relationship between temperature and heat
o Identify phases of matter and explore the thermodynamics of phase changes
o Compare and contrast conduction, convection, and radiation
Matter
o Classify matter
o Differentiate between physical and chemical properties and changes
Classroom Guidelines:
1. Supplies – Bring these to class everyday!
· Notebook with perforated pages (for this class ONLY)
· Folder (for this class ONLY)
· Calculator
· Textbook
· Pen/pencil
2, Conduct and Class Participation – students and parents are expected to be familiar with the policies in the Student Handbook
· Be Prepared For Class – have your materials with you; be on time; have a good attitude
· Respect – be polite and nice to others; no negative comments toward others; take good care of all equipment; help others learn; don’t disrupt the class; take pride in your work
· Be Productive –use class time wisely; stay organized; ask questions; stay on task
· Attend!! – attendance is the number one reason for poor grades in this course; if you are absent make –up your work promptly.
3. Grading –
· The grade for this course will be determined by what the student has actually demonstrated that he/she has learned
· Examples of things that will demonstrate learning are: tests, quizzes, lab reports, and independent projects
· Classroom behaviors will be included in the report card. The rubric used for evaluating student behaviors is shown below:
Behavior Rubric
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Behaviors
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4
Consistently
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3
Frequently
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2
Sometimes
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1
Rarely
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0
Never
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Effort
Strives for excellence
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§ Continually tries to improve
§ Completes work
§ Demonstrates perseverance
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Participation
Works in a positive manner
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§ Meaningfully participates in class
§ Demonstrates active listening
§ Cooperates in the classroom
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Respect
Treats others the way they would want to be treated
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§ Demonstrates self-discipline
§ Respects property
§ Demonstrates honesty and integrity
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Responsibility
Does what needs to be done
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§ Meets deadlines
§ Is prepared for class (attitude and materials)
§ Fulfills expectations
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4. Tardiness – per each 9 week semester:
· 1st tardy – warning
· 2nd tardy – 1 minute after class & phone call home
· 3rd tardy + - detention and office referral for possible truancy
5. Miscellaneous
· Food, Beverages, Gum – No food is allowed in the classroom. Plain water is the ONLY beverage allowed. Gum is allowed as long as it stays in the mouth and is disposed of properly.
· Hall Passes – You will be give 3 hall passes for each 9-week semester. Once you use these, no more passes will be given
· Substitute Teachers – class continues when a substitute is here; all classroom rules apply; behavior and cooperation are expected to be excellent
· Written Work – must be on loose-leaf paper (no fringes); must be legible
· Absences – it is the student’s responsibility to find out what has been missed, turn in assignments, and make arrangements to make-up tests, labs, etc. in a timely manner. (HINT: Check the Basic Physics Make-up Work Folder and Homework Page on the Website)
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